"Secrecy is the Shinigami's greatest asset Admiral. Even I don't know the numbers and I was raised amongst them. I am sure though that the Head Captain will oblige with a security force."

Belina sighed in relief as another idea came to mind. "I think it would be a good idea of we had someone from both the Shinigami and the Jedi aboard. The reason I say this is because if we're all going to work together we need to find what each side needs."

She looked over at Tavaryn. "Tavaryn, since you already have duties aboard the Ackbar I'm going to ask you who you think would make a good ambassador from the Shinigami."

She then turned to look at Jun-la. "Lady Jun-la, I was hoping you could suggest an ambassador from the Jedi. Someone who is capable of negotiating."

You wouldn't want to worry about me if you knew what I was like then. You wouldn't have liked what you saw.

Alriana shook her head slightly. What you did in the past is in the past. She sent. I love you for what you are now. It would be horrible of me to judge you for what you once were.

"If anything Tython might be a suitable place, Admiral. However I suggest using our coded signal. Messages intercepted would not easily be decrypted."

"Good idea." Belina said. "I'm going to assume that the Jedi are changing their codes now that they're breaking away from the Republic so if you could somehow get in contact with Master Skywalker I would greatly appreciate it."

(@JM12: Chev already knows this, but I'm currently planning on making Part IX the final instalment in the series. However, if either of you decide to take the reins and do a Part X, I will continue to participate.)

Silver Eagle

Opening a channel to the Ackbar, Iyav said to Belina, "You may want to listen to this: live feeds from the Destiny and the Senate. Don't ask me how I got them."

"Admiral, I apologize if you've had difficulty contacting us again. The Jedi Temple has already been vacated, and we felt it best that we keep the subspace frequency of our transport ships secret." He explained. "I must warn you: Do not approach the Avalon system. While they would gladly join our Resistance, the planet is currently surrounded by Sith Warships aiding in the relief effort. Governor Starlighter is tolerating their presence only as long as necessary. Instead, make for Tython. We intend to reclaim the old Temple there, and use it as both a replacement for the one on Coruscant and as a base of operations for the Resistance." He added.

RSS Destiny

"You know, if I ever see Belina again, I think I'll have to thank her. If she hadn't decided to go rogue, I'd have never ended up with her job." The newly promoted Admiral Kohe commented.

"Admiral, is the fleet ready?" Lendralis asked over the comm.

"Both the Republic fleet and our Sith allies are in position, sir. We're just waiting on you to give the order." He replied.

"Excellent. Make the jump." Lendralis commanded.

"Yes sir!" Kohe responded enthusiastically, directing his helmsman to jump into hyperspace, and the remaining Republic Star Destroyers followed suit. The Sith Warships, however, did not. Instead, they repositioned themselves in order to attack Coruscant.

Senate Building, Coruscant

Expressions of shock, fear, and confusion flooded the Senate when they learned that the Sith fleet had remained in orbit, rather than following the Republic ships to Balmorra.

"What is the meaning of this, Lord Pestilus?" Lendralis asked.

Pestilus ignored him, simply activating a small comm device on his wrist. "Fire at will." He directed the Sith fleet. The Senate Building itself was safe; anything that could pierce it would end up cracking the whole planet in two, but they could still hear the blasterfire outside.

"I must warn you: Do not approach the Avalon system. While they would gladly join our Resistance, the planet is currently surrounded by Sith Warships aiding in the relief effort. Governor Starlighter is tolerating their presence only as long as necessary. Instead, make for Tython. We intend to reclaim the old Temple there, and use it as both a replacement for the one on Coruscant and as a base of operations for the Resistance."

Belina listened carefully and then nodded at Garja who opened up communications lines to all of the rebel ships. "Attention all Rebel ships, there's been a change of plans. All rebel ships are to proceed to the following coordinates." He sent the coordinates and spoke again. "No one is to send these coordiantes to any non-rebel ship."

Garja then looked down at the messages coming in. All ships had recieved the messages and were begining to input the coordinates.

"All ships are entering coordinates Admiral."

"You may want to listen to this: live feeds from the Destiny and the Senate. Don't ask me how I got them."

Belina didn't respond as she watched the newly promoted Admiral Kohe took his fleet into hyperspace.

That fool! She thought as she watched the transmission showed the fleet of sith ships taking up attack positions around coruscant. He should have had the sith fleet jump to hyperspace first!

The view from the senate chamber wasn't much better. She watched as Lendralis ran up to the sith.

"We trusted you!"

Belina didn't look away as the Sith took Lendralis's head off with a single strike from his lightsaber."

"Turn that off." She said quietly. Garja did as ordered and the transmission ended.

"Set course for Tython." She said. Within moments, the Ackbar had the coordiantes entered and the Ackbar entered hyperspace.

"Tavaryn, since you already have duties aboard the Ackbar I'm going to ask you who you think would make a good ambassador from the Shinigami."

Tavaryn flushed a bit and replied, "Well the one to go to would be the Sentinel and um... that would be...um...me."

I love you for what you are now. It would be horrible of me to judge you for what you once were.

Tavaryn heard the words in his mind as he made his revelation to Belina. He replied, That's why I love you moi chroi. Though I am sure you are going to hate me now that I revealled another one of my secrets.

Jun-la listened to the revelation her uncle gave and grinned in an amused way. It actually made sense now. Her family was scattered among the different organizations that much was clear. Her uncle had been raised by the Shinigami and his mother so that was all he knew so it made sense that he was their mouthpiece. He could be counted upon to say enough without divulging secrets. She spoke to relieve the silence, "For the Jedi of Coruscant, we should rely on Master Skywalker and Master Starlighter. For the Jedi scattered on Avalon and her colonies, I suggest sending emissaries armed with a specific code word that will tell them you are a friend and that there is danger. There are plently of Force users out there. It's juts not all of them are Jedi."

Silver Eagle

Tonatius listened to Kalla's words. He replied, "It was home when Father was alive and mother carried her spirit well. Now... home is wherever you are." He gave Kalla a gentle kiss on her cheek.

The Republic fleet came out of hyperspace in the Balmorra system to find the New Empire waiting for them.

"Admiral, we've lost contact with Coruscant, and the Sith fleet did not follow us into hyperspace." Lt. Altair pointed out.

"No matter. We can still win this. Open fire on the nearest New Imperial ship." Kohe ordered.

As predicted, the intel provided by the Sith allowed the Republic ships to rip right through the New Imperial shields, and deal significant damage to their hull.

What they did not predict, however, was that the New Empire's weapons would have the same effect on them.

"It's a trap!" Kohe exclaimed.

"But for who, sir? Even if we are destroying each other, we're evenly matched with the New Empire." Altair stated.

"The Jedi were right. Prepare to jump into hyperspace." Kohe then instructed.

"No can do, sir. Their interdictors have us caught in a gravity well." Altair added.

"Try to hail the Imperials. They're not the real enemy here." Kohe suggested.

Senate Building, Coruscant

"Round up the Senators! Kill any who resist!" Pestilus instructed some unseen presence, and Sith Troopers revealed themselves behind every podium in the Senate.

Many Senators were taken away, violently escorted out by the troopers, and many more were simply gunned down.

Silver Eagle

Kalla was visibly shaken from what she was hearing from the Senate and the RSS Destiny. "And to think there's nothing we can do to stop this." She said to Tonatius, squeezing his hand. She was more terrified now than she was of anything that happened to her in the past five years.

"Well the one to go to would be the Sentinel and um... that would be...um...me."

Belina looked over at Tavaryn and nodded. "Very well. From this point on in addition to your normal duties you will be serving as an informal ambassador to the Shinigami." Belina tried to smile but she was still slightly shocked by how the sith in the senate chamber had killed Lendralis. "Don't worry, I hear the hours aren't that bad."

That's why I love you moi chroi. Though I am sure you are going to hate me now that I revealled another one of my secrets.

Alriana waited until Belina turned to Garja before grabbing his hand for a brief moment. I don't hate you Tavaryn, she sent. I don't think I ever could, not after all that you have done for me.

"For the Jedi of Coruscant, we should rely on Master Skywalker and Master Starlighter. For the Jedi scattered on Avalon and her colonies, I suggest sending emissaries armed with a specific code word that will tell them you are a friend and that there is danger. There are plently of Force users out there. It's juts not all of them are Jedi."

Alriana pulled her hand away from Tavaryn as Belina turned to look at Jun-La. "I'll make sure that we keep in contact with Masters Skywalker and Starlighter. As for the jedi who are still on Avalon and the colonies I'll make sure to find someone who I trust."

Garja, who had been monitoring the communications from the RSS Destiny and the senate turned to Belina. "Admiral, it appears that the republic fleet attacking Balmorra is in trouble. I can't hear much but it sounds like the Imperials were waiting for them. As for the senate building...I can hear blaster fire and screaming. Do you want me to put them on the main screen?"

"No." Belina said quietly as she thought of the options that fate or possibly the force had dealt her. She could try and help the republic fleet at Balmorra or she could continue towards Tython and come up with some sort of plan.

"Lady Jun-la." She said as she turned to look back at her. "I could use your advice. Should I turn around and set course for Balmorra or should we continue onto Tython?"

Both fleets had taken heavy damage, reduced to a fraction of their original numbers, and with the Destiny destroyed, command of the fleet fell upon Captain Harak of the RSS Phoenix.

"This is Captain Harak of Republic Star Destroyer Phoenix contacting the leader of the New Imperial Fleet. If you do not cease fire immediately, our fleets will end up destroying each other, and we will leave the Undying Sith Empire completely unopposed." She sent out.

"We read you loud and clear, Phoenix. We are standing down. We need to discuss it with Grand Admiral Velerc, but if what you say is true, I believe a truce is in order." The Imperial commander sent back.

"Thank you." Harak replied. "Try to contact the Ackbar." She then instructed her communications officer.

"Well not the duties you assigned me to Admiral," Tavaryn replied a bit sheepishly. It was more comforting to hear Alriana in his mind. Truth be told he was worried about the state of affairs. He had been born in an age of fear where his mother and others like her were hunted down like animals. Now it was like it was happening all over again.

He held Alriana's hands in his own when she told him that she thought she could never hate him. He took in the smoothness of her hands, commiting them to memory. He was reluctant to let her go when Belina turned around. He sent, I suppose you want to keep public displays of affection to a minimum? He did not mind though it did seem to be like one more thing to be borne in silence.

"I could use your advice. Should I turn around and set course for Balmorra or should we continue onto Tython?

Jun-la had been watching the exchange between her uncle and Alriana. The timing seemed off for them to finally admit their feelings but then again there really is no perfect time. She replied to the admiral, "Admiral we need to consider the status of the ship itself. I know Andros has done what he can on all major systems as well as the Mandalorian team that Selene lent. Do you feel that given the state of the ship we should head to Balmorra? I would suggest going if there was no other option."

Silver Eagle

Tonatius felt Kalla's fear and held her hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed it before gently turning it over until her promise mark showed. Gently he rubbed the tender skin and said, "As long as we share this, we will be all right."

Taryn made a scowl at the scene. He was not one for getting into romances. Heck he even made jokes at Andorra's wedding just to annoy his twin. His brother was into that honorable gentleman thing and courting. Yet if he dared to admit it to himself, he would have professed jealously that his brother had found someone. He walked up to the cockpit where to no one in particular he asked, "So how long till we reach Tython?"

"Admiral we need to consider the status of the ship itself. I know Andros has done what he can on all major systems as well as the Mandalorian team that Selene lent. Do you feel that given the state of the ship we should head to Balmorra? I would suggest going if there was no other option."

Belina sighed heavily. She knew that most of the crews had been forced to obey the chief of state and had no choice but to attack the Imperial fleet at Balmorra. They were still people that she felt responsible for. She knew that many of those crews were most likely dead now. It would be foolish to take the Ackbar into battle with the damage it had taken.

Jun-la was right.

One of the consoles lit up and Garja ran over to it. "Incoming transmission from the RSS Phoenix. According to the transmission logs it was one of the ships that was sent to Balmorra."

(Yeah, go ahead. CommanderQ is probably not going to be back any time soon.)

Silver Eagle

"A couple more hours, but after what happened on Coruscant, I suspect Master Skywalker will want to speak to everyone when we arrive." Komad explained.

"I suppose there is always hope." Kalla remarked, turning their hand holding into a much more intimate embrace.

RSS Phoenix

"Admiral, it appears as though the Sith provided the New Empire with an intel package similar to the one they gave us. As a result, our fleets were evenly matched, and we nearly destroyed each other. Fortunately, we have agreed to a ceasefire, and they said that if you are willing to negotiate with Grand Admiral Velerc, they would be more than happy to join your Resistance, and if you will accept, what is left of the Republic fleet will do so unconditionally." Captain Harak explained.

A couple more hours, but after what happened on Coruscant, I suspect Master Skywalker will want to speak to everyone when we arrive

Taryn shrugged his shoulders and replied, "And I am guessing us non Jedi are waiting in the lobby?"

**********

"I suppose there is always hope."

Tonatius let Kalla caress his hand and replied, "There is always hope. Besides I've never known you to give up. Remember your persistence with my cousin?"

Ackbar

Don't worry, we always have our off-duty shifts.

Tavaryn whispered gently into Alriana's ear, "I'm not worried. If want it to be a secret then that is fine too. Remember I used to work in secrets." He then switched to their connection, My heart is yours. It was his way of saying that he would follow what she wanted.

"Incoming transmission from the RSS Phoenix. According to the transmission logs it was one of the ships that was sent to Balmorra."

Andros then asked, "What kind of channel was it sent?" Looking at the Admiral he explained, "I know most of the emergency channels, the legit ones."

"I'm not worried. If want it to be a secret then that is fine too. Remember I used to work in secrets."

Alriana whispered back. "I don't want it to be a secret forever. Just until the current situation has ended."

"What kind of channel was it sent? I know most of the emergency channels, the legit ones."

Garja checked the transmission. "It was sent on the emergency distress channel. I recommend that we answer it now."

Belina nodded at him. "Let's hear it."

"Admiral, it appears as though the Sith provided the New Empire with an intel package similar to the one they gave us. As a result, our fleets were evenly matched, and we nearly destroyed each other. Fortunately, we have agreed to a ceasefire, and they said that if you are willing to negotiate with Grand Admiral Velerc, they would be more than happy to join your Resistance, and if you will accept, what is left of the Republic fleet will do so unconditionally."

Belina's eyes were drawn to the screen and her voice was calm though on the inside she was swearing in every language that she knew. "First off, I'm glad that you managed to to agree to a ceasefire. Inform Grand Admial Velerc that I will meet up with him at the following coordinates in deep space."

Inside, Belina was still swearing. Grand Admiral Velerc was better known to her as her father, the man who had abandoned his family and had accidently killed her mother. She didn't know what she would do when she met with him face to face.

Get ready father...It looks like we're going to meet face to face.

Imperial Space.

Imperial Flagship Death's Head.

Grand Admiral Velerc was still reading the pad with the information that the chiss had brought when one of his crewmembers spoke up. "Grand Admiral, we have an incoming transmission from Balmorra."

"I don't want it to be a secret forever. Just until the current situation has ended."

"I don't think it is that big of a secret," Tavaryn replied. "I think just abour almost everyone in this room knows. They are polite enough not to mention it."

Jun-la had watched Belina's reaction to the transmission. She knew that Belina harbored a deep seated hatred of her father. She said softly, "Family may make us angry but certain things like revenge just gnaw away at the soul."

"Admiral, the Republic forces have agreed to the ceasefire, and they have managed to put us through to leader of the Resistance. She asks that she meet you at the following coordinates." The fleet's commander transmitted.

Silver Eagle

"They said that would be impossible too." Kalla commented. "I don't know how yet, but we'll find a way to fix this. I know it."

"I think just abour almost everyone in this room knows. They are polite enough not to mention it."

Alriana looked back at Koral who nervously brought his eyes back down to his console, as she looked around the bridge she couldn't help but notice that Tavaryn was right. A few of the bridge crew looked away when she looked at them and a few of them had smirks on their faces as they turned back to their consoles.

I...did not know that. She sent through their link. Well, I thought that Admiral Belina knew but that was it.

"Family may make us angry but certain things like revenge just gnaw away at the soul."

Belina looked over at her. "I will not allow revenge to affect me during the negotiations. I will be civil, but the Grand Admiral will never be able to fully earn my trust, not after all that he's put me through."

Death's Head

"Admiral, the Republic forces have agreed to the ceasefire, and they have managed to put us through to leader of the Resistance. She asks that she meet you at the following coordinates."

Grand Admiral Velerc watched as the coordiantes came in over the channel and he transmitted them to the helm controls. "Very well." He turned to look at the helm officer. "Set course for the following coordinates and engage the hyperdrive when ready."

I didn't help matters when I declared my love for you and that was under Ryu's watchful eye.

Alriana let out a soft laugh. I almost forgot that Ryu was there, she sent back.

"That is good. I know you would remember that."

Belina nodded as she began issuing orders. "Helm, inform the rest of the fleet that we're going to be a bit late. Take us out of hypersapce and input the following coordiantes. However...I want shields up the moment we drop out of hyperspace."

She felt the Ackbar drop out of hyperspace for a moment and then a few moments later she felt the ship re-enter hyperspace. The coordiantes that she had agreeded to meet Velerc at were not that far away and she figured they would be there in about half an hour.

Tavaryn found that trying to keep a straight face on the bridge while have a conversation in his head with Alriana was rather difficult. At the moment he was struggling with his entire body to not touch her or do anything that wasn't appropriate in front of the crew. He gave a small smile when he heard her laugh and sent, It was the best moment of my life.

Jun-la was shamelessly watching and made a comment to be heard by them as she addressed the admiral, "Certainly now that we know our course of action, others can be given orders and sent on their way?"

Alriana smiled. I could say the same thing. she sent even as she turned to Admiral Belina to listen to what she had to say.

"Certainly now that we know our course of action, others can be given orders and sent on their way?"

"Of course." Belina said as the Ackbar arrived at the coordiantes where Velerc would be waiting for them. "But I think it would be a good idea for us to wait until we arrive at Tython to begin issuing orders."

The well known face of Admiral Velerc appeared on the front of the screen. Belina took a deep beath as the Admiral began speaking. "Admiral Belina, I have been told that the Undying Sith Empire has managed to take Coruscant. I have also heard that both of our fleets were nearly decimated at Balmorra."

Belina kept her face free of any emotions. "That is correct, I also heard that Balmorra might be the sith empire's next target. I believe that the two of us should combine our forces and meet in the Tython system."

"I don't know the locations of the Tython system I'm afraid. My spies in the republic never managed to get the location of the system. But I do agree, the sith empire must be stopped at all costs. If joining your resistance drives the sith away, then we will join."

Belina stared at the Admiral for a moment and nodded. "Very well. We're transmitting the coordiantes now. But know this: Any attacks on any republic forces will result in the New Empire being thrown out of the resistance. And Remember this Admiral, I never forget and I don't forgive easily."

Belina terminated the transmission and ordered the helm to set a course for Tython. A few moments later the Ackbar vanished into hypersapce.

Darth Pestilus stood in the chamber's central podium, addressing the crowd of Sith Lords now populating the Senate.

"On this day, we are VICTORIOUS! The Jedi Order has fled in fear, and through our influence, the Republic and the New Empire have destroyed one another. None dare oppose us now. Coruscant is ours, and with it, the Galaxy! And with the Galaxy under our control, we can begin work towards our true victory."

Jedi Temple, Tython

"We have lost so much today. The Temple, Coruscant, the Republic itself. But the Jedi Order survives, and we will persevere. The Sith may have won this battle, but the war is far from over, and we will retake Coruscant. I know many of you had friends and family on Coruscant. Remember them, and the countless other innocents caught in the Sith's grip. They are who we are fighting for, and we will win." Kol said to the gathered crowd of Jedi and Republic soldiers. They knew he was right. As long they opposed the tyranny of the Sith, as long as hope survived, the Sith would never truly be victorious.